THE treatment of 66 women by a former gynaecologist who worked in Sidcup, Woolwich, Bromley, Orpington and Longfield is under scrutiny, it has emerged today.

The move follows a sample review of 255 of Rod Irvine’s patients which shows concern over the treatment of 49 women and more serious cause for concern in the case of 17 women.

South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) has now written to just under 2,000 women who have had operations or other planned theatre procedures by Mr Irvine since he joined the trust in 2002.

The large majority of the consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist’s theatre procedures were carried out at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup but he also worked at the Princess Royal Hospital in Bromley and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

His website, which has now been taken offline, says he also practiced at Blackheath Hospital, Chelsfield Park Hospital in Orpington and Fawkham Manor Hospital in Longfield.

News Shopper: Mr Irvine's website, which has now been taken offline.

Dr Chris Palin, SLHT's medical director, said: "Any patient who had complications following an operation is highly likely to have been aware of the fact straight away and to have had further treatment to put matters right at the time.

"It’s therefore unlikely that patients will need further treatment.

"But it’s important that we review all the relevant patient notes to check whether anything went wrong, to acknowledge any mistakes that may have happened, and - if necessary - to apologise and to put things right."

Concerns about Mr Irvine, who has also worked at a number of private practices, were initially raised in August 2012 through a routine report.

The Trust then contacted the National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) and restricted the type of operations that Mr Irvine was allowed to undertake and began a formal investigation.

In November last year Mr Irvine was banned from working for the trust before a sample review of 255 patients was carried out.

A full review of the clinical notes of all those women who were treated in theatre by Mr Irvine since he joined the trust 11 years ago has now started.

Dr Palin added: "Of course, all surgery involves risk and can lead to complications.

"It’s important to understand that operative complications are not necessarily the result of sub-standard care.

"But wherever we find cause for concern it’s important that we explore the reasons for this.

"That’s why we have written to the women concerned and explained that we will be reviewing their clinical notes."

The General Medical Council, which has the power to strike off doctors, has enforced further restrictions on Mr Irvine’s practice.

A spokesman for BMI Healthcare said: “Mr Irvine performed a very small number of operations – less than 10 – at Fawkham Manor, the last having taken place in 2007.”

An information line has been set up for women who may have been treated by Mr Irvine and who may have concerns about their treatment - call 0800 044 5272.

"He has extensive training in all sub-specialities of gynaecology"

According to his website, Mr Irvine qualified from the Royal London Hospital and before pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynaecology, trained in general surgery.

The site says: "He has had extensive training in all sub-specialities of gynaecology.

"Throughout his career, he has had a special interest in minimal access surgery techniques, having trained under internationally renowned preceptors.

"He is the only UK gynaecologist to obtain a scholarship in this specialty through the Royal College of Surgeons.

"He has numerous peer review publications and has written a book on infertility."

It added that he aims to "achieve the highest standards of care for both mother and baby."

Rod Irvine said in a statement: "Throughout my career I have acted with integrity and honesty and tried to do the best for my patients.

"Patient care is of paramount importance to me and I apologise if anyone has been caused unnecessary distress as a result of this news from the Trust and resulting media coverage.

"Whilst I understand the wishes of the Trust to release a press statement the Trust has not yet had the opportunity to see my response to many of the concerns raised in order to assess if those concerns are well founded.

"I can assure you I am co-operating fully with South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) over this issue and will continue to do so."